Siemens plans Sacramento layoffs

Siemens Mobility announced Tuesday it will let go 44 employees at it Sacramento, Calif., manufacturing facility.

In a statement, Siemens spokesman Michael Krampe said that move was "necessary to align staffing with the current business and project volume."

He added, "These decisions are never easy, and Siemens understands the impact this has on the employees and the community. Unfortunately, the company must take these steps to remain competitive in this challenging market."

The news comes despite Siemens' being awarded a $73 million contract on May 24 to supply Portland, Ore.'s TriMet with 18 new S70 light rail transit cars.